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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Mexican Main Courses

    Carne Asada Recipe

    Published: Jun 13, 2019 · Modified: Aug 19, 2020 by Marissa Stevens ·

    Gluten FreeLow CarbPaleoWhole30

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    carne asada steak sliced thinly on a cutting board

    If you're looking for an authentic Carne Asada recipe - this is it! Grilled Carne Asada tastes better and looks more beautiful than it has a right to, if you judge a meal by the amount of effort it takes. And it's a sensory pleasure before it even touches the grill! As you squeeze fresh orange, lime and lemon juices for the marinade, then whisk in cilantro, garlic and jalapeño, the aroma that floats up to your nose is nothing short of heavenly.

    Carne Asada steak thinly sliced across the grain

    Then the steak cooks hot and fast, on your table in about 20 minutes, complete with gorgeous grill marks and a perfectly pink and tender interior.

    Carne Asada thinly cut on a cutting board and ready to serve.

    To make this, we started with a recipe from Tyler Florence and switched it up to make it our own: swapping in apple cider vinegar, reducing the oil a bit and adding a third citrus flavor (lemon) and some cumin. Adding lemon juice to the mix happened by chance. I'd just finished a batch of homemade tonic water which left us with a slew of lemons, limes and oranges, flesh and juice intact, sans zest. And I love the citrus trifecta - now I may always use making tonic water as an excuse to make Carne Asada!

    Jump to:
    • FAQ
    • Carne Asada Marinade
    • How to Make Carne Asada
    • How Long to Grill?
    • How to Serve
    • Recipe Video
    • Carne Asada Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    Carne Asada in a glass dish covered in marinade.

    FAQ

    What is carne asada?

    The literal translation of the term means Carne (flesh, meat or beef) and Asada (roast, broiled, grilled), typically translated to 'Grilled Meat' and most often is seared in some way for that signature charred flavor (which you can get with a grill pan too using my recipe for Carne Asada in the oven.)

    What cut of beef is used for carne asada?

    There are several cuts of beef used to make Carne Asada including sirloin and tenderloin, but most recipes call for either flank steak or skirt steak. I've tried both and definitely prefer outside skirt steak for its flavor and texture. Either way you'll want to thinly slice the steak across the grain before serving for maximum tenderness!

    Carne Asada Marinade

    Carne Asada marinade is an essential part of making this recipe authentic! Zesty, fresh citrus juices (lime juice, orange juice, and lemon juice) and apple cider vinegar tenderize the beef, while fresh cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper season it to perfection. It's important to give the meat plenty of time to marinate, a minimum of 1 hour and up to 8 hours, to soak up all of the delicious flavors!

    How to Make Carne Asada

    Combine all marinade ingredients in a large, glass baking dish. Add raw skirt steak or flank steak, turning to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours (any longer will start to break down the meat).

    how to make carne asada step by step

    How Long to Grill?

    Grill the steak over a medium-high flame for 7 to 10 minutes until it reaches 130°F for medium rare, 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches 140°F for medium. (The steak will continue to cook once you've removed it from the grill.) Transfer steak to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

    Carne asada cooking on the grill.

    How to Serve

    With summer in full swing, you may have plans to BBQ with friends and family. Grilled Carne Asada is perfect - but be sure you make plenty (or make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas to go with it!) Serve it on its own, or with warm tortillas, fresh pico de gallo and all the toppings for Carne Asada Tacos, Carne Asada Burritos, Carne Asada Quesadillas, or as the main attraction in big, crunchy Carne Asada Steak Salads, Carne Asada Nachos or Carne Asada Fries.

    Recipe Video

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    Carne-Asada thinly sliced across the grain featured

    Carne Asada Recipe

    Marissa Stevens
    A trifecta of citrus juices makes this grilled Carne Asada especially succulent!
    5 from 39 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Marinating Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 344 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 pounds skirt steak trimmed of excess fat

    Carne Asada Marinade

    • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
    • juice of 1 orange
    • juice of 1 lime
    • juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a large glass baking dish whisk together Carne Asada marinade ingredients (jalapeño through black pepper) until combined. Add skirt steak in a single layer, turning to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 8 hours (longer will begin to break down the meat).
    • When you're ready to grill: preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill steaks for 7 to 10 minutes per side, turning once for medium-rare. Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
    • Slice thinly across the grain and serve.

    Notes

    1. Ask your butcher or grocery meat counter for 'outside skirt steak' for the most flavorful and juicy results.
    2. Note that the longer you marinate the skirt steak, the more tender and flavorful it will be come. But be sure to grill it within 8 hours to maintain the texture of the meat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 32gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 489mgPotassium: 469mgVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 4.4mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword 4th of July, Cinco de Mayo, easy, father's day, Independence Day, keto, low carb
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mexican Main Courses

    • Pulled Pork Nachos
    • Green Enchilada Sauce
    • Grilled Shrimp Tacos
    • Shrimp Tacos

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Phil says

      November 11, 2021 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my word!!! This marinade is unbelievable. My wife and I both commented that we had to just stop or we were going to make ourselves sick from eating so much of the marinated meat! Hahaha... Thank you for this recipe. We are your newest, biggest fans!!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 12, 2021 at 9:13 am

        You made my day, Phil! So glad this recipe is a hit with you and your wife. I appreciate you coming back to let me know.

    2. Kevin O'Brien says

      September 18, 2021 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      It's finally time I post a review. This recipe is absolutely delicious, Marissa. I've been grilling this carne asada recipe all summer. I dice up the meet for carne asada tacos. My wife who is from El Salvador loves it! Her family says these are the best carne asada tacos they've ever had. Her brother says, "The gringo can cook!" after eating 6 tacos. My six-year-old daughter hovers over me while I'm dicing up the meat and plucks out pieces to eat. Lol. I also make a special guacamole sauce for a topping. It's a recipe I concocted after eating tacos from a street vendor in Mexico — it's not an exact copy of the same sauce, but it's pretty darn close. Anyway, your carne asada recipe has been my go-to when hosting family and friends. Thank you, Marissa!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 18, 2021 at 7:45 pm

        Well Kevin, you made my month with this comment! I'm so happy that this recipe is such a big hit for you and your family.

      • Kevin Johannesen says

        September 25, 2021 at 7:55 am

        Kevin, would love to see the guacamole sauce recipe!
        I just added my steak to the marinade, so I have about 6 hours before I need it, lol!

    3. Samantha Bragg says

      August 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      Phenomenal!! This recipe was absolutely spot on perfect…took the family to flavor town and we will be back again!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 25, 2021 at 7:43 pm

        aww...love this! You made my day, Samantha. So glad this was a hit with you and your family.

    4. Kerry says

      August 13, 2021 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing recipe. I had some friends over for dinner unexpectedly and this was a huge hit! I’m a bit lazy and just threw everything in the food processor so I didn’t have to chop anything. That’s the only change I made and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing!!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 13, 2021 at 9:04 am

        I love to hear that, Kerry! You made my day.

    5. Nanette Mini says

      July 08, 2021 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Love all your recipes !!!
      Thank you … Merci ….Mille Grazie !!!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        July 08, 2021 at 12:40 pm

        aww, thank you, Nanette!

    6. Rachel says

      April 27, 2021 at 3:13 pm

      5 stars
      You do not even understand how much my family and I LOVE this recipe! I make this once a week, and it is just so delicious! Thanks so much for making our dinner time so much better!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 28, 2021 at 8:33 am

        Rachel, this is so wonderful to hear. I'm so happy that this recipe is such a hit with you and your family. Sweet of you to let me know!

    7. @theunpolishedpalate says

      April 26, 2021 at 6:30 am

      5 stars
      So delicious every time I make it!

      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 26, 2021 at 9:11 am

        So glad you're enjoying the recipe!

    8. Alice says

      August 12, 2020 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      Marissa, It looks delicious, pretty, easy and healthy. Definitely going to try this weekend for my kiddos. Thanks for sharing.

      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 12, 2020 at 1:37 pm

        Thanks so much, Alice! I hope that you and your kids enjoy it!

    9. karen howington says

      July 05, 2019 at 8:02 am

      Perfect timing! We are celebrating as couples tomorrow, our friends' who are expecting baby boy! The theme is Mexican and she LOVES Carne Asada. Any tips for making this at home and transporting/keeping it warm but not overcooked for the large group? Thanks!

      Looks delicious! Can't wait to make it.

      • Marissa says

        July 05, 2019 at 9:56 am

        What a fun way to celebrate your friends' happy news! I would transport the carne asada in a preheated baking dish covered with foil. If at all possible, it would be great to reheat it right before serving in a hot skillet with a little oil (similar to what I do for Carne Asada Nachos), just for a minute or two. Have a wonderful time!

      • John Callahan says

        February 05, 2020 at 10:28 am

        5 stars
        This is the best baseline for carne asada you will find. It has everything needed to make proper carne asada for salads or tacos or fajitas. Missing lemons? Use more lime. No lime? Use more lemon and orange. No cider vinegar? Use white vinegar. It really won't hurt. Personally I like heat so I use much more jalapeno.

        Now let me add a personal tip. If you like fajitas then cut up a bunch of onion and peppers and toss it into the bag/bowl with the marinating meat. Then drain and caramelize those peppers and onion in a pan with a little butter or oil. You have fajitas bursting with flavor!

        • Marissa Stevens says

          February 05, 2020 at 11:00 am

          Thank you for your kind comment, John. Love your idea for fajitas!

    10. Michelle CM says

      June 24, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      We had a crowd over for Sunday dinner and used this recipe with 10lbs o NY Sirloin. It was delicious!!!! Loved loved loved it. And the marinade completely flavored the steaks in just 4 hours. Impressive to say the least!

      • Marissa says

        June 25, 2019 at 9:02 am

        That's fantastic, Michelle! Thank you for coming back to let me know!

    11. Smith says

      June 18, 2019 at 10:35 am

      This 4th generation Texan says Excellent! Be aware the skirt steak is the diaphragm muscle of the cow. Has 2 parts: inside skirt which is thinner and tougher having little flavor; this is what you get at the grocery store. The outside skirt is thicker, tender and has much more flavor. This is what you get in higher end restaurants. Ya gotta request it at meat markets and grocery stores.

      • Marissa says

        June 18, 2019 at 11:23 am

        Great advice! Our butcher just sells the outside skirt steak so I didn't think to mention it, but I'll definitely make a note of this in the recipe. Thank you!

    12. Joanne says

      June 18, 2019 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      Wow those cuts look amazing

      • Marissa says

        June 18, 2019 at 11:23 am

        Thank you, Joanne!

    13. Kelly | Foodtasia says

      June 18, 2019 at 6:01 am

      5 stars
      Marissa, that carne asada is grilled to absolute perfection! I just want to reach through my screen and grab a piece. Definitely a big hit at my house!

      • Marissa says

        June 18, 2019 at 11:23 am

        Thanks, Kelly!

    14. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

      June 17, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Oh my gosh! I'm not really a steak guy, but this one looks phenomenal; so succulent and cooked to perfection. Love the marinade, too!

      • Marissa says

        June 17, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        Wow! Thanks so much, Ben!

    15. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      June 17, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      I definitely remember this!!! Thank you for the reminder, because I'm TOTALLY making this when we fire up the grill this weekend!! Yaaasss!

      • Marissa says

        June 17, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        woohoo! You know I love to hear that, Cheyanne!

    16. David @ Spiced says

      June 17, 2019 at 5:45 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh! This carne asada needs to jump off my computer screen and right onto my grill. This seriously looks amazing, Marissa! I'm thinking this would be an excellent addition to the menu for 4th of July...or really any night during the summer. That steak looks like it's been grilled to perfection! 🙂

      • Marissa says

        June 17, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        Thank you, David!! Yes, perfect for celebrating on the 4th!

    17. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      June 17, 2019 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      Your video has me drooling Marissa! This carne asada looks totally mouthwatering!

      • Marissa says

        June 17, 2019 at 4:57 pm

        Thank you so much, Mary Ann!

    18. Valentina says

      June 16, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      Marissa, this looks heavenly. I would like a few slices of this with your Pico de Gallo and a tortilla. YUM!

      • Marissa says

        June 17, 2019 at 4:57 pm

        Thank you, Valentina! Love how you think!

    19. Ashton Max says

      June 15, 2019 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      Hey Marissa,

      Beyond hungry, of course, do you know what your posts make me feel? Happy!Thanks for sharing.

      • Marissa says

        June 16, 2019 at 10:00 am

        Thanks so much, Ashton!

    20. mimi rippee says

      June 15, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      This is fabulous! I love the addition of three citrus fruits. I cannot wait to try the recipe. I've made so many recipes out of Mexican cookbooks, but really I don't think I've made actual carne asada!

      • Marissa says

        June 16, 2019 at 10:00 am

        Thank you, Mimi!! I'm excited to hear what you think!

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